Joplin resident Martin McCabe is talking about the cost of trash pickup. Starting April 1st, Joplin residents will pay 50 cents more for garbage service.

According to the contract between the city of Joplin and Republic Services, the price increase is based on the consumer price index. Also known as the CPI, the consumer price index gives a general reflection of residential living costs in a certain area. In 2013 the increase was 4.4 percent for Joplin.

"They look at the CPI for the calendar year prior," said Mary Anne Phillips, Joplin Recycling Coordinator. "So if the CPI went up in the calendar year, in this case 2013 calendar year, than the price increase takes effect April first."

But there is a limit. The current contract caps the increase at 10 percent, a number that could be lowered if a curbside recycling initiative is passed in April.

"They would put in a cap so they only raise it a maxi um of five percent per year, which is better than what our current contact is now," said Katrina Richards of the Young Joplin Association, recycling initiative.

Martin McCabe is still not convinced by the increase.

"Why keep increasing stuff when you're not doing anything else to help anyone else out by charging anybody?"

But some residents give the increase the OK.

"To be honest, I could handle that," said Joplin resident Diane Gallimore. "Joplin is pretty trashy with the tornado and everything. I could handle spending 50 cents more."

Charlotte is here seeking knowledge, to become a better gun owner. "You never know when it's going to be important to you if you get into a situation where you have to shoot someone" The law may allow conceal carry but when you use your weapon may not be crystal clear, so this session offered advice. "The common mishap is people who want to react to somebody trespassing on their property, make sure they understand. No, you don't just get to run outside with a gun and ...More >>

Charlotte is here seeking knowledge, to become a better gun owner. "You never know when it's going to be important to you if you get into a situation where you have to shoot someone" The law may allow conceal carry but when you use your weapon may not be crystal clear, so this session offered advice. "The common mishap is people who want to react to somebody trespassing on their property, make sure they understand. No, you don't just get to run outside with a gun and ...More >>